REFELECTION

The Bene01 class has revolved around many topics one of which is the Benedictine core
values—Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work) which San Beda University stands for. One of the
things I truly pondered on almost every class is how to make these values true to me. With
constant reminding, I wonder if such really could make a difference if I do it constantly as well.
On the looks of it, it seems easy but it actually takes commitment and a huge convincing to
myself that what should motivate me to do it is not just for the perks of it but because it has been
inculcated and deeply engraved in my soul and heart, that my lips and body are eager and have
the thirst to pray and go to work (whatever it may be) daily and because I love the God who gave
me the privilege to approach him in prayer and the strength to go on each day. Draw close to
God and He will draw close to you, the bible says. It really will not hurt to take the initiative to
show my love and to humble myself in front of Him that I need help.

The class also discussed about certain miracles. In today’s time, I was not convinced that
miracles still happen but as I meditate on my own life, I got to see how miracles are not
necessarily something out of supernatural like how a barrel inexplicably was filled with oil. For
me, miracles come in the form of blessings. Thinking about how I am surviving here in Manila,
without my parents, as an only child, it takes a leap of faith; as a probinsyana it takes a larger
leap of faith. How in the world could someone like me, who is so dependent of my parents, who
is irresponsible and careless, survive? How am I surviving every challenge that comes my way in
the university? Indeed, a miracle.

People will be people; entitled with their own desires, opinions, and the likes of it when it
comes to life, how to make it worth living, and among other aspects of it. But for me, I am
certain that the world does not revolve around me, the world has more than 7 billion population,
I should not be the burden, the weight on their shoulders, but I want to become the one God will
use to help others whether it be of legal concerns when I become a lawyer in the future or it be
finding life’s purpose and happiness. Whatever it is, the bottom line is, I should dedicate my life
in service to Him and recognize the truth that I cannot do things on my own because I need
prayer and work (Ora et Labora) and faith, that if it is His will, miracles can happen.